- South Africa
- Hoedspruit
About Program
Hoedspruit Reptile Centre’s volunteering and internship programs allow individuals the opportunity to live at the Centre in our Volunteer House and experience working with a wide range of indigenous and exotic reptiles (including venomous species).
Volunteers get practical, hands-on experience in the day-to-day running of the Centre and learn about reptile husbandry and enrichment. Volunteers are encouraged to interact with guests at the Centre and help educate people about the importance of reptiles. Daily activities include enclosure and animal maintenance, food preparation, preventative medicine measures, and assisting with veterinary procedures when possible.
Participants are given the opportunity to partake in reptile rescues, attend all courses conducted at HRC during their stay, and partake in our community awareness and captive breeding programs. We recommend a month-long stay (or longer) but a minimum of two weeks is strongly suggested.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Partake in hands on work with a variety of reptiles and amphibians
- Learn to work with and handle venomous reptiles
- Learn about advanced reptile care, husbandry and enrichment
- Attend accredited training courses
- Partake in accredited conservation and education programs
Program Impact
Hoedspruit Reptile Centre's ethos is "conservation through education and research". As a volunteer at the Centre you will not only gain valuable experience with reptile husbandry, care, enrichment and handling but you will partake in the Centre's variety of self-funded conservation strategies including our reptile rescue and relocation program, our baboon-spider conservation and rehabilitation project, our SECAP community outreach program, our captive breeding programs for endangered reptiles and any active research we are assisting universities and conservation bodies with. Your time and energy will have an impact on reptile conservation and reptile education.
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Questions & Answers
Location
Hoedspruit is in the Limpopo province in Big 5 country, which refers to the Game Lodges and Private Nature Reserves. This town is agriculturally oriented and the majority of activities involve wildlife, environment, and people.
